Holy Inquisition
In the gravest cases of heresy, where an individual is found guilty of False Worship—whether through the honoring of forbidden deities, the veneration of entities not recognized by the Synod, or the practice of non-theistic worship that undermines the divine order—the Inquisition is charged with the total eradication of their existence. False Worship extends beyond mere idolatry; it includes the worship of false ideals, philosophical reverence that rejects the gods, and any form of devotion that detracts from the sanctity of the Synod’s teachings. The mandate dictates the complete destruction of the heretic's life, legacy, and memory. Their writings are to be burned, their symbols shattered, and their name erased from all records. No trace of their existence may remain, as their very essence is deemed an affront to the divine order. The Inquisition shall act with unwavering resolve, ensuring that the stain of their false worship is cleansed from the world, leaving no echo of their heresy to corrupt the faithful.
Structure
Saint
Role
Within the Inquisition, the Saint is the ultimate authority, acting as both the highest enforcer and the most powerful cleric. While the Saint's role in the Synod involves broader spiritual leadership, within the Inquisition, the Saint serves as the leader, directing all inquisitorial activities and ensuring that the Inquisition fulfills its mandate to protect the Synod and its worshippers. The Saint operates independently, with the authority to act autonomously in the face of threats to the faith, often taking direct action in situations that require divine intervention or extraordinary measures.Responsibilities
Leadership of the Inquisition
The Saint commands the Inquisition, overseeing all operations, including investigations, trials, and the enforcement of doctrinal purity. The Saint ensures that the Inquisition remains focused on its core mission: protecting the Synod and its followers from both internal and external threats.Autonomous Authority
Unlike other leaders within the Synod, the Saint has the unique ability to act independently of the broader religious hierarchy. This autonomy allows the Saint to respond swiftly and decisively to any threat, even without direct orders from the Verdin or the Synod.Symbol of Divine Justice
The Saint embodies the divine will, representing the Inquisition as both a force of justice and a protector of the faith. This role extends beyond mere leadership, as the Saint is often seen as the living embodiment of the gods' judgment, particularly that of Neie.Execution of High-Level Missions
The Saint personally undertakes missions of great importance, especially those that require exceptional divine power or strategic insight. These missions often involve confronting powerful threats that ordinary inquisitors cannot handle.High Inquisitors
Role
High Inquisitors are the powerful leaders who oversee the Inquisitorial activities within specific regions, working alongside the High Pontiffs to ensure the purity of faith and adherence to the Inquisitorial Mandate. They are second only to the Saint in divine strength and authority, managing the day-to-day operations of the Inquisition within their regions.Responsibilities
Regional Oversight
High Inquisitors are responsible for supervising all inquisitors within their assigned regions, ensuring that the Inquisitorial Mandate is enforced with precision. They manage investigations, trials, and the execution of justice.Divine Judgment
High Inquisitors possess significant divine power, second only to the Saint. They are often called upon to render judgment in cases of severe heresy, where their divine insight and strength are needed to carry out the gods' will.Coordination with the Synod
They work closely with the High Pontiffs, aligning the Inquisition’s activities with the broader goals of the Synod while maintaining the autonomy necessary to act decisively against threats to the faith.Mentorship and Leadership
High Inquisitors mentor lower-ranking inquisitors, guiding them in the use of divine magic and the application of the Inquisitorial Mandate. They ensure that their subordinates are both spiritually and tactically prepared for their duties.Justicars (Conclave Members)
Role
Justicars are powerful inquisitors tasked with overseeing specific territories within the broader regions managed by the High Inquisitors. They are the primary agents of the Inquisition, ensuring that the Synod’s laws and the Inquisitorial Mandate are strictly enforced within their jurisdictions. Justicars of specific regions form a Conclave and can act independently in emergencies but must do so in the context of the Conclave.Responsibilities
Territorial Oversight
Justicars manage the Inquisition’s activities within their assigned territories, conducting investigations, leading trials, and enforcing the divine laws as interpreted by the Inquisition.Execution of Divine Will
While not as powerful as High Inquisitors, Justicars wield significant divine magic, which they use to carry out their duties. Their power is a reflection of their rank, with their strength growing as they ascend within the Inquisition.Reporting and Coordination
Justicars report directly to the High Inquisitors, ensuring that the activities within their territories align with the broader goals of the region. They also coordinate with other Justicars to address inter-territorial threats or heresies.Training and Mentorship
Justicars are responsible for training lower-ranking inquisitors within their territories, ensuring that the next generation of inquisitors is prepared to uphold the faith with strength and conviction.Internal Hierarchy of Inquisitors
Grand Inquisitors
Role
Grand Inquisitors are the highest-ranking inquisitors below the Justicars. They oversee the activities of multiple inquisitorial cells within a large territory and manage complex investigations involving significant threats to the Synod.Responsibilities
Oversight
Manage several cells of inquisitors, coordinating large-scale operations.High-Level Investigations
Lead investigations into the most severe cases of heresy, corruption, and blasphemy.Strategic Coordination
Work closely with Justicars to ensure the efficient deployment of inquisitorial resources.Senior Inquisitors
Role
Senior Inquisitors lead individual inquisitorial cells, each focused on a specific area or type of threat. They are experienced operatives with strong divine abilities, tasked with handling significant but more localized threats.Responsibilities
Cell Leadership
Command a group of inquisitors within a particular area or specialized task.Mentorship
Train and guide less experienced inquisitors, ensuring they uphold the Inquisitorial Mandate.Execution of Orders
Carry out missions assigned by Grand Inquisitors, leading their cells in investigations and enforcement.Inquisitors
Role
Inquisitors are the primary agents of the Inquisition, tasked with investigating, interrogating, and purging heresy within their assigned areas. They are skilled operatives with a strong grounding in divine magic and doctrine.Responsibilities
Field Operations
Conduct investigations, interrogations, and trials in the field.Enforcement
Execute the punishments prescribed by the Inquisitorial Mandate.Reporting
Provide detailed reports to their Senior Inquisitors on all activities and findings.Acolyte Inquisitors
Role
Acolyte Inquisitors are novices who are undergoing rigorous training to become full-fledged inquisitors. They assist in various tasks while learning the skills and doctrines necessary to enforce the Synod’s laws.Responsibilities
Assistance
Support inquisitors in their duties, often participating in lower-risk investigations.Training
Learn the Inquisitorial Mandate and divine practices under the mentorship of Senior Inquisitors.Apprenticeship
Gain practical experience in the field under the supervision of more experienced inquisitors.Culture
The culture of the Inquisition is deeply rooted in the principles of discipline, loyalty, and unwavering faith. Inquisitors are trained to embody the highest standards of moral and spiritual integrity, reflecting the divine justice they are sworn to uphold. From the moment they join the ranks, inquisitors are instilled with a sense of duty that transcends personal desires, focusing entirely on the protection of the Synod and the preservation of its doctrine.
Discipline and Hierarchy
Discipline is the cornerstone of the Inquisition's culture. Each member, from the acolytes to the Saint, is expected to adhere strictly to the chain of command and the rules governing their conduct. This discipline ensures that the Inquisition operates with precision, maintaining order and efficiency in their pursuit of justice. Hierarchical respect is deeply ingrained, with each rank understanding its role and responsibilities within the broader mission of the Inquisition.
Faith and Devotion
Faith is not just a guiding principle but a way of life within the Inquisition. Inquisitors are devout followers of the Synod's teachings, with a particular reverence for Neie, the god of Celestials. Their devotion is manifested in their daily rituals, prayers, and the divine magic they wield. This unwavering faith strengthens their resolve and provides them with the spiritual power necessary to confront the darkest of threats.
Brotherhood and Sacrifice
The Inquisition fosters a strong sense of brotherhood among its members. Inquisitors are encouraged to see their fellow members as part of a sacred family, bound together by their shared mission. This bond is reinforced through joint training, communal rituals, and a shared commitment to the Inquisitorial Mandate. Sacrifice is a common theme, with inquisitors often called upon to place the needs of the Synod and the faith above their own lives, accepting death as a possible consequence of their duty.
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Secrecy and Vigilance
Secrecy is a vital aspect of the Inquisition’s operations. Inquisitors are trained to operate in the shadows, gathering information and conducting their investigations with the utmost discretion. This secrecy is not just a tactical necessity but also a cultural value, reflecting the understanding that the threats they face often require subtlety and caution. Vigilance is equally important, with inquisitors constantly on the lookout for signs of heresy, corruption, or any other threats to the Synod.Public Agenda
The Inquisition's public agenda is straightforward and unwavering: to protect the Synod and its followers by eradicating heresy and enforcing the divine laws as outlined in the Inquisitorial Mandate. Their mission is to root out corruption, ensure doctrinal purity, and defend the faith from both internal and external threats. The Inquisition presents itself as the guardians of spiritual integrity, operating with a clear mandate to punish those who stray from the path of righteousness and to preserve the sanctity of the Synod’s teachings.
Assets
Grand Inquisitors
Equipment
Grand Inquisitors are equipped with divine-enhanced armor and weapons to protect against both mortal threats and supernatural forces, including rogue divine entities, demonic invasions, or powerful heretic cults. Their weapons often have enchantments that allow them to penetrate magical defenses, reflecting their need to handle highly dangerous adversaries. Additionally, they carry holy relics or talismans for protection and offensive power, making them well-prepared to handle powerful enemies of the faith.
Living Conditions
Grand Inquisitors live in well-furnished private quarters within the Inquisition’s strongholds, though they rarely indulge in luxury. Their lodgings are strategically placed to ensure swift mobilization, typically within the upper echelons of the Inquisition’s headquarters. While they could afford aristocratic-level lifestyles due to their status and pay, many prefer to live modestly, keeping themselves accessible and maintaining the respect of their subordinates. However, they enjoy certain privileges, such as personal servants or attendants when required.
Livelihood
Grand Inquisitors are well-compensated, receiving significant stipends for their service. This income provides them with the resources to live comfortably and access the best available food, drink, and provisions. They are supplied with high-quality rations for expeditions and fine meals when stationed. Luxuries such as rare wines and fine textiles are accessible, but many forgo them to maintain humility. Additionally, they have access to the best armorers and weaponsmiths, ensuring their equipment is always at peak condition.
Senior Inquisitors
Equipment
Senior Inquisitors are provided with reliable, well-crafted armor and weapons tailored for fieldwork against heretics, rogue mages, and lower-tier supernatural threats. While their gear is not as finely enchanted as that of Grand Inquisitors, it includes divine wards for protection against magic and specialized tools for investigation and interrogation. Their weapons are designed for versatility, capable of handling a wide variety of combat situations.
Living Conditions
Senior Inquisitors reside in secure, comfortable quarters within regional outposts. These accommodations are practical, with moderate luxuries such as private rooms and access to high-quality food and drink, but they are not extravagant. They often live close to their subordinates, sharing common areas to foster camaraderie while retaining authority. Though they can afford better lodgings, they tend to remain within Inquisitorial facilities, focused on their mission.
Livelihood
Their pay allows for a decent standard of living, with access to quality meals, clean water, and modest comforts. Senior Inquisitors are granted regular shipments of supplies, including necessary rations, potions, and other essentials to keep them battle-ready. Their living standards are comfortable enough to maintain morale, but not so luxurious as to create a division between them and lower ranks. They can afford luxuries when needed but tend to remain focused on their duties.
Inquisitors
Equipment
Inquisitors carry standard-issue armor and weapons designed for versatility in the field. Their gear is practical, durable, and enhanced with minor divine blessings, offering protection against mundane threats and basic magical attacks. Their weapons are standard but effective, forged for balance between offensive and defensive capabilities. Inquisitors also have access to investigative tools, allowing them to conduct interrogations and investigations with precision.
Living Conditions
Inquisitors live in barracks or shared housing, typically within local garrisons or Inquisition-controlled outposts. Their accommodations are modest, with few luxuries but enough comfort to maintain morale. They have access to common areas and basic amenities but are expected to maintain a disciplined, minimalistic lifestyle. The proximity to their comrades fosters a sense of duty and brotherhood, as they are always ready to mobilize.
Livelihood
Inquisitors are provided with regular rations, basic provisions, and a modest wage. Their pay covers living expenses and occasional personal needs, but it is not designed to encourage luxury. Supplies include weapons maintenance kits, standard food provisions, and potions for field use. Though their lifestyle is simple, it is stable, ensuring they can focus on their duties without concern for basic needs. They also have access to medical care and other essential services provided by the Inquisition.
Acolyte Inquisitors
Equipment
Acolyte Inquisitors are given basic armor and weapons to support their training. Their gear is functional but lacks the enhancements of higher ranks. Acolytes are equipped with standard swords, shields, and light armor, designed for basic protection during field exercises and low-level missions. They also receive training manuals and religious texts, emphasizing doctrine and the skills required for future inquisitorial work.
Living Conditions
Acolytes live in communal quarters, often shared with others undergoing similar training. Their living conditions are spartan, reflecting the discipline they are expected to adopt as future inquisitors. Their accommodations include shared sleeping areas, common dining halls, and basic facilities. While the environment is austere, it is designed to instill a sense of humility, camaraderie, and readiness.
Livelihood
Acolytes receive a basic stipend and are provided with standard rations and supplies. Their meals are simple but nutritious, ensuring they remain healthy during their training. They have little access to luxuries, focusing entirely on their education and skill development. The Inquisition provides them with all necessary materials, including books, training weapons, and basic medical care, but they are expected to live minimally until they prove themselves worthy of advancement.
History
Origins of the Inquisition
The Inquisition was born from the chaos that followed the massacre attributed to the Church of Darkness. After the Holy Synod was established, there was an urgent need to ensure the purity of the newly unified religious doctrine and to prevent any resurgence of heretical movements. The Inquisition was formed as the Synod’s militant arm, tasked with rooting out heresy and protecting the faith from internal and external threats. Under the leadership of the Saint, the Inquisition quickly became a powerful force within Vontia, feared and respected for its unwavering dedication to the Synod’s principles.
Expansion and Consolidation
As the Holy Synod grew in influence, so too did the Inquisition. The Inquisition expanded its reach across the regions of Vontia, establishing strongholds and training centers in key locations. The rise of powerful heretical cults and the lingering influence of the Church of Darkness necessitated a more organized and disciplined approach, leading to the formalization of the Inquisition’s structure. High Inquisitors were appointed to oversee large regions, and a clear hierarchy was established to ensure that the Inquisition could respond swiftly and effectively to any threat.
Modern Role in the Vontian Empire
In the present day, the Inquisition plays a critical role in maintaining the stability and unity of the Vontian Empire. With recent crises, the Inquisition’s importance has only grown. While its primary mission remains the eradication of heresy, the Inquisition now also addresses broader threats to the Synod’s authority, including rogue magical entities, demonic incursions, and challenges to the Synod’s doctrine. The Saint, as the leader of the Inquisition, wields considerable influence, guiding the Inquisition’s actions and ensuring that it remains the ultimate protector of the faith.
Purge the Darkness, Preserve the Light
Founding Date
472
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Inquisitor
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Founders
Location
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